Jan
Shefford

Profession

Specialist Technician - Garment

College

Central Saint Martins

Biography

Tell us about yourself...

I've worked in the industry for 35 years. I started off designing and pattern cutting in the high street end of the market working for Hennes Group, which is now Arcadia. I worked for various designers including Roland Mouret, Betty Jackson and Victoria Beckham before focusing on the technical side.

What do you love most about your job?

I love it all actually, love the atmosphere of the building, working with the students. I find it really interesting, really rewarding.

What are your favourite things about Central Saint Martins?

Just the creativity of the whole place, the creative atmosphere of the building. The students are the best thing.

Do you have a favourite part of your day?

First thing in the morning - when the students start to drift in, when you start to chat with them and just learning a bit more about them. Talking to them because you can't always when there's a large group. I feel like you're getting to know them.

What advice would you give to new students?

It's an art college obviously, but the technicians are there to help and they're a very important part of it. You may want to be doing the arty side, but you do need some sort of technical knowledge. Use us - ask questions, make sure you know everything. It'll make your life easier. You will have to produce garments and make patterns and sew and you'll need a lot of help. So do embrace the technical side - more than perhaps you thought you would.

We're a very friendly team. We're really interested in you the students and we want to know about your progress. We'll do our utmost to help you - we've vast knowledge - tap into it as much as possible!